2016 Shooting Illustrated Knife Guide

Everybody needs a good knife, whether as part of your EDC gear or just for opening packages. Here are some of the best options that give you the razor’s edge for any tactical task, no matter how mundane.

4|Blackhawk C.Q.D. Mark I Type EThe C.Q.D. is loaded with features, from a glass breaker to a seatbelt cutter to a reversible pocket clip. It also has a plunge lock, which makes it extremely safe to close. Length9.5 inches. Blade Length3.75 inches. Weight7.6 ounces. MSRP$102.45 blackhawk.com

5|Browning Black Label No BoundariesSculpted G10 handles, titanium finish, a drop-point blade and two opening possibilities allow Browning’s No Boundaries knife to live up to its name. It is also available in black. Length8 inches. Blade Length3.75 inches. Weight5.5 ounces. MSRP$34.99 browning.com

5|Pro-Tech The GodfatherThe signature product of Pro-Tech’s line of automatic knives, The Godfather springs open and locks at the push of a button. The slim, needle-point blade has a hardness of 59 on the Rockwell “C” scale. Length9.6 inches. Blade Length4 inches. Weight4 ounces. MSRP$280 protechknives.com

10|Steel Will Apostate 1113Bearing a contentious name and tanto edge, the Apostate uses a flipper opening mechanism and features G10 scales on one side and a titanium handle on the other. Length9.6 inches. Blade Length4.1 inches. Weight6.35 ounces. MSRP$174.99 steelwillknives.com

5|CRKT ShrillA resin-infused, polished-fiber handle offers purchase on this slim, double-edge blade designed to ride in a boot or waistband, while the spear-point blade tapers to a very fine edge. The Shrill comes with a leather scabbard. Length8.7 inches. Blade Length4.8 inches. Weight4.3 ounces. MSRP$69.99 crkt.com

6|Gerber GhostrikeCapable of being carried on the belt, around the neck or in a boot, the Ghostrike is lightweight and maintains a slim profile to be unobtrusive but always there when you need it. Length6.9 inches. Blade Length3.3 inches. Weight3.6 ounces. MSRP$59 gerbergear.com

7|Gerber StrongarmA glass-filled nylon handle (also available in black) fitted around a full-tang blade, the Strongarm’s sheath is MOLLE-compatible so it can be attached to most packs. Length9.8 inches. Blade Length4.8 inches. Weight10.9 ounces. MSRP$86 gerbergear.com

7|Steel Will Censor 1312Designed as a boot- or neck-knife, the Censor series is available in multiple configurations. Clip-point, spear-point and a modified-simple-point blade are available, as are a choice of satin or Black Traction coatings. Length7.7 inches. Blade Length3.5 inches. Weight5.5 ounces. MSRP$64.99 steelwillknives.com

8|White River Knife & Tool GTI 4.5White River collaborated with bladesmith and former U.S. Army Ranger Justin Gingrich of GTI to produce this series of tactical/survival knives. The blade features an ionbond coating, Micarta scales and a U.S.-made, MOLLE-compatible leather sheath. Length9.75 inches. Blade Length4.5 inches. Weight9.3 ounces. MSRP$300 whiteriverknives.com

5|SOB Tactical Custom PuncherMade entirely from G10, the Puncher is an ideal EDC blade. It can be laser engraved with any design that will fit on its handle or blade, making it a great show-off piece, too. Length4.4 inches. Blade Length2.8 inches. Weight1.2 ounces. MSRP$49.99 sobmanswag.com

6|SOG SpiritLabeled as a throwing knife, the Spirit has a secret: Unscrew the glass-reinforced nylon handle, and a standard broomstick can be added to make it a double-edge spear. Length10.7 inches. Blade Length4.25 inches. Weight10 ounces. MSRP$51.75 sogknives.com